The Matrix Revolutions



The Matrix series comes to a close with The Matrix Revolutions, and I must say I'm disappointed that the explanations about what was going on weren't more explicit. Instead it reminded me of the kind of ending you'd see in many anime, where you wonder if there was any meaning at all. I think there was, but you have to bring a lot of your own ideas to it. But then, I thought that was true of the end of The Matrix, so I'm not that disappointed.

I guess I'll try to avoid spoilers, but I will talk a bit about what doesn't happen. One ending I would have liked would have been the revelation of another level of reality above the one containing Zion. This would have neatly explained how Neo could exist on two levels of reality simultaneously, because neither was "real." Moreover, mathematically the existence of one Matrix practically requires that all realities are computer simulations. (See the essay by Nick Bostrom entitled Are We Living in the Matrix?) With all the Wizard of Oz allusions in this series I think they could have gotten away with the whole "it's all a dream" ending quite handily.

but enough of that highfaluting phil-los-o-fee stuff. Does The Matrix Revolutions kick ass? I would say "Yes, thank you sir, may I have another?" While there's nothing to quite match the highway chase from The Matrix Reloaded, there is a terrific scene where the Machines invade Zion and the humans fight them with powered suits designed by Geof Darrow. One note to those human infantry assigned shoulder missile launchers during the defense: load the damn things before you get in position to fire! You might have more time to aim that way!

The other big action scene occurs at the end of the film with Agent Smith and Neo beating on each other like Superman and Captain Marvel. But in cooler clothes.



It's probably the best rendition of superpowers ever put on film.

One thing that disappointed me was some of the casting. I understand that there was nothing they could do about Gloria Foster (The Oracle) dying. But I wish they had gotten Jet Li to play Seraph, as was no doubt the original intent.



Colin Chou comes across like the Mexican non-Union equivalent. Looks kinda like Jet, but doesn't have the charisma or grace.

Posted: Thu - November 6, 2003 at      

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